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Marion Helena (Miles) Morkeberg

Markerville

1901-1987

Description

Life and Work


What greater tribute than to be a friend! Marion was by profession a registered nurse taking her training in Calgary in 1925 and moving to Markerville in 1930 as the young bride of Carl Morkeberg. Here, as a loving wife, she raised a family of four children, assisted in the family operated creamery and became a beloved friend to all in the area.

Cheerful and generous by nature, her gifts to neighbours often included butter, cream, and eggs. She was an avid participant in community events, a poet, news writer and able speechmaker. Coffee, meals and lodging were always available to those who stopped to visit her. Perhaps, her greatest gift was her ability to administer both medical and emotional support in emergencies in the community. From delivering babies, to treating bee stings and comforting the dying, she is remembered for her compassionate care, enduring spirit and warm friendship.

She raised four children and assisted in the family's creamery. Her gifts to her neighbours included butter, cream and eggs. From delivering babies to treating bee stings and comforting the dying, she exuded care and friendship.

Marion often quipped that "things are never so bad that they can't get worse," and "you have to learn to save yourself." She belonged to the Good Neighbours Club and the Eastern Star. She liked to play poker. Marion was also the first to dance the Charleston in the Markerville Hall.

Marion spent her last days in Bethany Nursing Home in Calgary. A testimony to her spirit, nurses and staff from Bathany later visited Markerville and the creamery to see where their dear friend "Morkie" once lived.

Memoirs


Letter of Appreciation by W. Jackson

My first remembrance of Marion (Miles) Morkeberg was in the mid 1920s. She was a nurse in the old Innisfail Hospital situated on the southeast corner of 50th Street and 49th Ave. Innisfail.

It is not surprising that she met up with Carl, as his family was part owner of the Creamery just across from the hospital.

I must confess, I didn't see much of Marion during the years other family production—bringing up four daughters, helping to keep the books at the Creamery, and taking a very active role in nearly all of the social activities of Markerville. One could readily recognize Marion's influence and humorous contribution in many of these events.

She was not only a wonderful wife to Carl, but she contributed her wifely guidance to Jack Darling, Harry Haddelsy and John Christvinson, who all spent many hours with her and Carl. As you know Marion was quite deaf; what a blessing, I'm sure, when all visited at once.

I truly admired her wonderful relationship with all the farmers and their families that did business with the creamery.

In her own family, she was very much like a sister to Lois and Dana, Dell and Val. Also, she could hold her own with "Sister," "Bee-Cee" and "Balk," Carl's sisters.

On many business trips between Lacombe and Innisfail, I always looked forward to a visit, either going or coming, at Markerville with Carl and Marion.

Wonderful reminiscing also with Dan, Hilma and Val at their wonderful old home across the river.

At both places, the many wonderful stories would be topped off with Danish pastries and Aquavit.

I am sure the Markerville Story owes much to Marion for her contributions to its compilation.

On behalf of all the Jacksons, I send our sincere thanks for her wonderful friendship.

Poem by Marion Morkeberg

Poem written by Marion Morkerberg as a tribute to her friend John Chirstvinson:

Quiet, neighbourly, and at all times sincere
With respect to his fellow-man
He never meant harm to anyone
And has outlived his allotted span.

A native of Iceland, he never forgot
To be loyal to the land of his birth;
And remembering him we can steadfastly say,
"Here was a man of worth."

A true pioneer to the end of his days
To be friendly and kind was his role;
He's sung his song, he's done his work
And now he has reached his goal.

We speak of the miracle of a baby's birth
And of a baby's heavenly smile:
But did you ever see the miracle of a dear old soul
Entering the Secred Isle?

No dread or fear of the Great Beyond
Or what might lie ahead;
Only memories and thankfulness
For a good, long life, well led.